PetAbility Podcast

PetAbility

This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris...

Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.

After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.

Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.

Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit.

Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa.

Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!

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Top 10 PetAbility Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best PetAbility Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to PetAbility Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite PetAbility Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Vestibular Dysfunction with Dr. Gena Silver

PetAbility Podcast

03/09/21 • 51 min

Vestibular what? You might not have ever heard of vestibular dysfunction, but according to veterinary neurologist, Gena Silver, MS, DVM, DACVIM, it is one of the top three neurological issues in dogs. Imagine suddenly feeling dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, and even falling over. That is what an animal with vestibular dysfunction might abruptly experience. You might see your pet's head tilted to one side, their eyes darting, and they can't walk without support. This can feel devastating and even scary. But according to Dr. Silver, don't judge a book by its cover! Depending on the source of the problem, signs can disappear over time as with "old dog vestibular." A correct diagnosis, through an MRI, determines prognosis and treatment plan. However, a "wait, watch, and see" approach with supportive care at home may work as well. Listen as Dr. Silver explains why all pet owners should be familiar with signs related to 8th cranial nerve issues. Although vestibular dysfunction is common, signs may vary from the very subtle and difficult to recognize to the more overt where the dog is alligator rolling and vomiting. Let’s all learn the signs together because timely and accurate diagnosis determines prognosis.
Helpful links:
You can find Dr. Gena Silver at Mass Vet Referral Hospital.
Vestibular Disease Support Group for Dogs and Cats Vestibular Disease in Dogs Support Group

Disclaimer
VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!
Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...

Special Needs Animal Rescue League with Christina Powell

PetAbility Podcast

04/16/24 • 60 min

Listen as Christina Powell tells us the story of Special Needs Animal Rescue League (SNARL). This SNARL is bound to make you smile! What started as a personal rescue of one wobbly German Shepherd became a multi-organization, multi-state/province, two-country machine that takes "red list" dogs from other shelters and finds them their forever homes. In other words, SNARL says "yes" to those who have been overlooked and placed in high risk situations due to their special needs, primarily neurological disabilities. Lee Ridings of Furgiven Animal Sanctuary joins us to elaborate on the collaboration of their two rescues to benefit the most dogs. As Lee says, these dogs may be different, but they are not broken. Each has so much love to give if just given the chance. Whether it's financial support, volunteerism, or foster/adoption, next time consider special needs dogs - they need us.
Click here to learn more about SNARL.
All social media is @snarlrescue
Click here to learn more about Furgiven.
All social media is @furgiven

Grooming to Maximize Health and Function with Meghan Terwilliger

PetAbility Podcast

12/29/20 • 57 min

“Humanity over vanity!” Grooming is much more important than just making sure your pet looks pretty or smells good. Grooming is vital to maximizing your pet’s overall health and well-being. No grooming or improper grooming can lead to pain, decreased mobility, skin and ear infections, issues with thermo-regulation, poor oral hygiene, and the list goes on. Most don’t realize that the groomer is in integral part of your pet’s care team. By bringing your pet to regular grooming appointments every 4-6 weeks, the groomer becomes a first line of defense – examining skin, coat, teeth, ears, and nails, finding things that may need attention long before your pet’s next scheduled veterinary appointment. As a certified fear-free groomer, Meghan does all this while making your pet’s experience as pleasant as possible, establishing trust, and changing their emotional response to grooming. She describes what a fear-free appointment might look like and how she works to make it a positive experience for your pet by inviting them to participate in the process. Meghan listens to what the dog is telling her, allowing her to work around any anxiety-producing issues. When your pet looks forward to grooming, it will more likely look forward to other experiences such as veterinary appointments. Finally, we get into the nitty gritty of salon safety, sanitary clips, senior comfort grooms, and the recommended frequency of bathing, brushing, and nail trims. By the way, Meghan bets your dog’s nail are too long!
Links mentioned in the show:
Check out Meghan's thriving grooming business at The Soggie Doggie.
Go to Fear Free Pets to learn more about this exciting shift in vet medicine.
For Meghan's "how to" on nail trim's, click nail trim video.
To see a puppy's first fear free groom, click here.
To learn more about Meghan, go to her Facebook and Instagram.
See Paw Mats to find the cushy, non-slip mats Meghan mentioned.
See the book Meghan's Creative Grooming work is featured in.

Tails & Toddlers - Introducing Dogs to Your Children with Tracey Costa

PetAbility Podcast

02/04/25 • 61 min

Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional help. Plus, our expert guest, certified professional dog trainer, Tracey Costa, CPDT-KA, CNWI, NACSW, shares invaluable insights on strengthening the bond between kids and their furry companions, as well as must-know resources for new dog owners. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt guidance to help your family create a happy, lasting relationship with your new four-legged friend!!

Find Tracey Costa at Positive Note Dog Training!

Resources:
Family Paws: Creating Dog Aware Generations
Doggone Safe Educational Resources - The Pet Professional Guild
i Speak Dog
101 Dog Tricks - Kids Edition on Amazon
Living with Kids and Dogs - Colleen Pelar, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Links to Dog Training Professionals:
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
The Pet Professional Guild
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior

Pet Emergencies: There's an App for That! with Dr. Matthew Minson and Mr. Jacorey Brown

PetAbility Podcast

09/06/22 • 43 min

We've all been there... it's the middle of the night on the Friday of a holiday weekend and your beloved pet is suddenly very ill... and you're on vacation! You're worried sick that she won't make it through the night, you are stressed trying to console her, and you have no idea where the closest veterinary emergency center is or if it's even open. This scenario and others like it occur more often than we care to think. Did you know there is now an app called the Minson's Guide to Veterinary Hospitals, to help you locate the nearest 24/7 emergency vet center? With the touch of a few buttons, you not only know exactly where to go, but also the phone number so the emergency center knows to expect you! The app also includes Veterinary Schools by state as a resource for specialties that your pet may need. It's simple, it's fast, it’s accurate, and it's a must-have for every pet owner!
For more information, please visit Minson'sGuide.com

Massage: Getting the FEEL for it!

PetAbility Podcast

05/17/22 • 58 min

Ahhhh.... the laying on of the hands, therapeutic touch, massage - it's more powerful than you might think. Listen to Cathy and Chris describe preparing for a massage session with your pet, getting your pet's consent, the myriad of massage benefits, specific massage techniques, and generally how to get the most out of the time spent massaging your pet. Packed with information, your methods are bound to improve after listening to this show. And remember, practice makes perfect, so go forth with confidence and get your hands on your pets - you'll be glad you did and they'll thank you for it!
Check out our massage video that demonstrates small animal massage in action!
See Cathy performing skin rolling here!

Exploring the World of Animal Communication with Danielle MacKinnon

PetAbility Podcast

11/28/23 • 57 min

Have you ever wondered what your pet would say if they could actually talk? Listen to Danielle MacKinnon, a luminary in the realm of animal communication. With a rare and innate gift, she bridges the gap between humans and the animal kingdom, and has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of interspecies communication. Her deep connection with animals transcends the ordinary, allowing her to tap into the rich tapestry of their thoughts, emotions, and desires. As a trailblazer, Danielle has not only demonstrated the power of animal communication but has also become a sought-after teacher, speaker, and author.

For more info about Danielle, her work, and resources for you, go to DanielleMacKinnon.com/PetAbility.

CCL Tears with Dr. Mary Ann Nieves

PetAbility Podcast

04/06/21 • 65 min

Your dog is an athlete. You ask him to perform feats of athleticism on a daily basis whether you realize it or not: jumping into the back of your SUV from a stance, sprinting across the field for a ball, hiking up that steep trail, or running beside you for your morning jog. And then there’s the “squirrel’s revenge!” Yes, your dog always sees that squirrel taunting them as you open the door and takes off like a shot, leaping over the stairs, only to come to a dead stop at the base of the tree. Can you imagine if you did this upon waking in the morning? You might think you’d injure your knee and that is exactly what happens to your best friend. He suddenly comes up lame in the hind leg. It doesn’t get better so you take him to the vet and sure enough, he’s torn his cranial cruciate ligament or CCL (ACL for us humans). Then you find out, it doesn’t heal on its own so your vet recommends surgery! Believe it or not, this scenario plays out all the time because tearing the cranial cruciate ligament is THE most common orthopedic diagnosis seen by veterinary surgeons.

Listen as we talk with Mary Ann Nieves, DVM, MS, DACVS, about everything cranial cruciate ligament:

Anatomy of the dog’s knee and why does slope matter?
The function of the CCL and why it’s so important?
The complicated and multifactorial reasons that lead to CCL tears.
Does this injury happens in all species, even our cat friends?
Can we do anything to prevent these injuries?
Surgery vs. conservative management: pros and cons.
What is a TPLO, TTA, and lateral suture?
Arthritis and chronic pain after a CCL tear, especially if no surgery is performed.
What is the role of prehab and rehab for CCL injuries?

Find Dr. Nieves at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital.

Blind Dogs with Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP

PetAbility Podcast

06/16/20 • 73 min

How can we empower our blind pets to be independent and lead rich, joyful lives? Have you ever really thought about what it means to have vision or, moreover, NOT to have vision? To be blind is to be differently-abled, adjusting to a new normal - and it's your job to help your dog "see" that! When your dog loses vision it can be devastating. Cathy knows because she has lived with TWO blind dogs. Dogs are incredible at adapting (better than we are!), and you can aid them in the transition process by ensuring their safety, promoting their confidence, and continuing activities that bring them joy! Learn about eye anatomy, unique products that keep your pet safe and help navigate the world without sight, communicating through verbal and touch cues, and the specialty of veterinary ophthalmology.
For more information about blind dogs, check out Cathy's book, Blind Devotion.
For Cathy's children's book, Watching Out for Digger.
For information about Rex Specs, click here.
For information about Doggles, click here.
For information about Halos for Paws, Click here.
For information about Muffin's Halo, click here.
For information about SightScent, click here.
For information about Tracerz, click here.
For a behaviorist and trainer willing to work with your blind dog, contact Behave Atlanta for an in-home or virtual consultation!

Fear Free: Taking the Pet out of Petrified with Lori Chamberland

PetAbility Podcast

04/05/22 • 61 min

Fear Free® is an educational company whose mission is to alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Sounds simple enough, but it turns out that despite our good intentions, we've actually been doing things wrong, as veterinarians, pet professionals, and owners. By learning to listen to pets through their body language and putting ourselves in their place so as to see the world through their eyes, we are on our way to implementing the Fear Free principles. Founded in 2016 by America’s veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free according to their website, "has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, providing unparalleled education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets and improving the experience of every human and pet involved." So join the Fear Free movement today as we all play a vital part in this endeavor to take the “pet” out of “petrified,” as their tagline so cleverly quips!
To learn more:
Veterinary and pet professionals go to FearFreePets.com
Pet owners go to FearFreeHappyHomes.com

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FAQ

How many episodes does PetAbility Podcast have?

PetAbility Podcast currently has 135 episodes available.

What topics does PetAbility Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Pets & Animals, Dogs, Kids & Family, Cats, Podcasts, Education and Birds.

What is the most popular episode on PetAbility Podcast?

The episode title 'Behavior Analysis with Dr. Terri Bright' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on PetAbility Podcast?

The average episode length on PetAbility Podcast is 54 minutes.

How often are episodes of PetAbility Podcast released?

Episodes of PetAbility Podcast are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of PetAbility Podcast?

The first episode of PetAbility Podcast was released on Mar 23, 2020.

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PetAbility Podcast

PetAbility

Top 10 PetAbility Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does PetAbility Podcast have?

What topics does PetAbility Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on PetAbility Podcast?

What is the average episode length on PetAbility Podcast?

How often are episodes of PetAbility Podcast released?

When was the first episode of PetAbility Podcast?

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